The pineapple diet is based mainly on the fruit of the pineapple, which is included in the daily diet together with other foods rich in protein . This regime is incomplete, little varied and unbalanced, causing deficiencies due to its restrictive nature .
“This diet does not generate any health benefit for those who follow it. It is recommended to include pineapple in the diet, like the rest of the fruits, but combining it with the rest of the essential foods, ”says Vanessa Buitrago, nutritionist at Medicadiet. The pineapple diet belongs to the group of so-called miracle diets, which guarantee rapid weight loss with little effort on the part of the consumer, but are often linked to health problems and eating disorders .
The pineapple diet is low in kCal (500-1200) and eliminates complex carbohydrates . During the follow-up period, the person does not have to take complementary or substitute products. “Another disadvantage of this regime is that it is not sustainable: at most it takes place over seven days, adding to the fact that it is boring and monotonous,” concludes Buitrago.
Unlike others it is hypocaloric: it provides the body with less energy than it needs . This regime prohibits the intake of rice, pasta, bread , legumes and potatoes, staples in other diets such as the Mediterranean . According to the Ministry of Health and Consumption , these foods are at the base of the food pyramid and should be eaten between four and six weekly servings.
Pineapple properties
Pineapple is one of the most consumed tropical fruits in Western Europe, apart from watermelon or banana. It is a healthy food, as long as it is combined with correct nutrition and a balanced diet. It has laxative properties due to its high fiber content .
In addition, it provides the body with vitamins such as A beneficial for the eyes and the growth of bones and tissues . Vitamin B1 helps the metabolism of carbohydrates and C has an antioxidant function . This fruit provides potassium , calcium , iodine, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, and sulfur. It has healing qualities and helps against problems such as fluid retention, sclerosis or hypothyroidism .
Disadvantages of the pineapple diet
It can cause eating disorders if prolonged for a long time , and it does not recommend the intake of carbohydrates, which should constitute 50 percent of the daily intake. Experts like Buitrago assure that “it is not a recommended diet to lose weight because it does not help reduce fat, but rather favors the loss of fluid and muscle.” This increases the chance of the so-called rebound effect appearing.
Buitrago ensures that it has a main drawback and that is that the metabolism slows down because the greater caloric expenditure is given by the muscles, losing part of them makes it easier to regain weight. This regimen is not recommended and if it is carried out, it should only be followed for a few days because it causes a significant lack of nutrients .